UV Radiation-Blocking Sports Hat

ABSTRACT

The UV radiation-blocking sports hat is an apparatus that shields the face and the head of a user from sun exposure. The apparatus includes a hat, a panel, a pocket, and a tinted shield. The hat protects the upper portion of the head from sun exposure. The panel protects the bottom portion of the head and the back of the neck of the user. The pocket contains a cooling pack in order too cool down the environment within the present invention. The tinted shield protects the face of the user while allowing the user to view the surrounding environment. The tinted shield is preferably made of polycarbonate material that is anti-scratch, anti-glare, and anti-fog. The apparatus may further include a plurality of ventilation slots in order to facilitate air flow for the environment within the present invention.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/556,589 filed on Sep. 11, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to hats. More specifically, the present invention is a UV radiation-blocking sports hat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protecting the head and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun is essential for active people. Prolonged and constant exposure to the sun can result in wrinkled skin, sunspots underneath the eyes, uneven skin tone, damage to the eyes, and so on. Serious effects of sun exposure, however, may result in skin cancer. Wearing sunblock or sunscreen aid in the protection from sun damage but may not be sufficient. Sunblock and sunscreen can easily come off the skin if a person perspires enough or if a person is exposed to the sun for a long period of time.

The reduction of all forms of UV radiation is an objective of the present invention for all types of active and outdoor activities. The present invention provides constant protection against sun exposure to the most vulnerable part of the body, the face and head. While effectively protecting the face and the head of a user, the present invention provides broad visibility that can reduce the chance of being hit in the head by an oncoming object, such as a ball in play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein a plurality of ventilation slots is centrally aligned with a sagittal plane of a hat of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear side view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top side view of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom side view of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a cooling pack positioned within a pocket of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a UV radiation-blocking sports hat 1 that protects the head and the neck of the user from direct exposure to sunlight. The present invention shields the head and neck of the user while allowing the user to view the surrounding environment. The present invention also accommodates for the environment within the present invention by providing a cooling source for the user. In order for the present invention to protect the user from UV radiation, the present invention comprises a hat 1, a panel 7, a pocket 11, and a tinted shield 13, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. The hat 1 surrounds the head. More specifically, the hat 1 surrounds the forehead, the top of the head, the crown 5 of the head, and the temples of the head. The hat 1 also suspends and positions the panel 7 and, consequently, the tinted shield 13 about the head of the user. The hat 1 comprises a sidewall 2 and a crown 5. The sidewall 2 surrounds the lateral surfaces of the upper portion of the head and the crown 5 covers the top surfaces of the head. The hat 1 comprises materials that prevent the sunlight from damaging the face of the user. Moreover, the materials are preferably opaque in order to prevent sunlight from traversing through the hat 1. Furthermore, the hat 1 preferably comprises lightweight and breathable materials in order to create a comfortable interior environment within the present invention while under direct sunlight. The panel 7 shields the neck. More specifically, the back of the neck and the nape of the head. The panel 7 preferably comprises the same materials as that of the hat 1. The pocket 11 upholds and contains a cooling source. The tinted shield 13 protects the face and the front of the neck of the user from UV radiation of sunlight. The tinted shield 13 also allows the surrounding environment to be viewable by the user while wearing the present invention. The tinted shield 13 is preferably made of polycarbonate material that is polarized, anti-scratch, anti-glare, and anti-fog. Moreover, the tinted shield protects the user from UVA and UVB rays from the sun.

The overall arrangement of the aforementioned components effectively covers the head of the user without inhibiting or blocking the view of the user. The entirety of the head is covered as the crown 5 is oriented perpendicular with the sidewall 2. Moreover, a first rim 3 of the sidewall 2 is perimetrically connected across the crown 5, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 9. A second rim 4 of the sidewall is positioned opposite the first rim 3 of the sidewall across the sidewall 2. A first rim 8 of the panel 7 is connected along the second rim 4 of the sidewall 2, thereby suspending the panel 7 about a lower portion of the head and rear portion of the neck. A second rim 9 of the panel 7 is positioned opposite the first rim 8 of the panel 7 across the panel 7. A main opening 10 is defined by the second rim 9 of the panel 7. The main opening 10 allows a head of the user to be inserted into the interior environment of the present invention and be worn. The tinted shield 13 is integrated into the panel 7, so that the user is able to see the surrounding environment through the present invention, as seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. Moreover, the tinted shield 13 traverses from the first rim 8 of the panel 7 to the second rim 9 of the panel 7. The pocket 11 is connected to an inner surface of the panel 7, positioned opposite the tinted shield 13, seen in FIG. 8. This arrangement positions the cooling source within the interior environment of the present invention, consequently cooling the rear portion of the neck of the user. Furthermore, the shield is positioned directly in front of the face of the user. In order for the cooling source to be contained within the pocket 11 while being worn by the user, an opening 12 of the pocket 11 is oriented towards the hat 1.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a cooling pack 16 as a cooling source. The cooling pack 16 is positioned within the pocket 11 in order to effectively cool the user while wearing the present invention, shown in FIG. 9. The cooling pack 16 preferably contains gel-like materials with a high heat of fusion. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the cooling pack 16 may contain water or a comparable refrigerant gel or liquid. A sac of the cooling pack 16 contains the gel-like materials and is approximately 7 inches long and 1 inch wide. Moreover, the cooling pack 16 preferably weighs approximately 3.5 ounces in order to preserve the flaring structure of the panel 7 around the hat 1. As the cooling pack 16 defrosts, condensation may seep through the pocket 11 and wet the skin and hair of the user. The preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a moisture-wicking layer 29 in order to contain any condensation from the cooling pack 16 within the pocket 11, also seen in FIG. 9. The moisture-wicking layer 29 is fixed within the pocket 11 and traverses across the pocket 11. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, a supplementary moisture-wicking layer 29 may be fixed across the inner surface of the panel 7 in order to absorb any sweat of the user as a result of wearing the present invention under direct sunlight.

The present invention enhances the interior environment of the present invention as the preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a plurality of ventilation slots 17. The plurality of ventilation slots 17 facilitates air flow through the present invention and creates a more breathable environment within the present invention for the user. The plurality of ventilation slots 17 traverses through the sidewall 2 and is distributed across the sidewall 2 in order to maximize air flow. More specifically, the plurality of ventilation slots 17 comprises a first set of ventilation slots 18 and a second set of ventilation slots 19, seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. The first set of ventilation slots 18 is laterally positioned along the sidewall 2. The second set of ventilation slots 19 is laterally positioned along the sidewall 2, opposite the first set of ventilation slots 18. This arrangement not only enhances the ornamental design of the hat 1, but facilitates airflow around the head of the user, which is positioned within the hat 1. The position of the plurality of ventilation slots 17 along the sidewall 2 directs airflow through the hat 1 while effectively protecting the user from radiation from the sun.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality of ventilation slots 17 that is positioned along a variety of areas across the sidewall 2. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of ventilation slots 17 is centrally aligned with a sagittal plane 6 of the hat 1, as seen in FIG. 3. This configuration increases airflow against the forehead of the user or the front portion of the head of the user. More specifically, the plurality of ventilation slots 17 is positioned adjacent the tinted shield 13. It is understood, that alternate embodiments of the present invention may comprise a plurality of ventilation slots 17 that are arrangement in a mesh-like structure across the sidewall 2 in order to better control the airflow through the hat 1.

In order for the user to have an uninhibited view of the surrounding environment while wearing the present invention, the tinted shield 13 is centrally aligned with a sagittal plane 6 of the hat 1, as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Moreover, a first lateral edge 14 of the tinted shield 13 is oriented at a first acute angle with the sagittal plane 6. Similarly, a second lateral edge 15 of the tinted shield 13 is oriented at a second acute angle with the sagittal plane 6. The first acute angle and the second acute angle are preferably equal to each other and, together, account for the field of view of the user.

As the present invention is preferably worn during sports events and sports competitions, the present invention may need to be secured to the head of the user. An alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises a first length-adjustable strap 20, a second length-adjustable strap 23, and a fastener 26, allowing the present invention to be secured to the head of a variety of users, seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. A fixed end 24 of the first length-adjustable strap 20 is fixed to the sidewall 2, positioned adjacent the second rim 4. The fixed end 24 of the first-length adjustable strap 20 is positioned in between the tinted shield 13 and the pocket 10 in order to be able to surround the head of the user. A free end 22 of the first length-adjustable strap 20 is positioned opposite the fixed end 24 of the first length-adjustable strap 20. Similarly, a fixed end 24 of the second length-adjustable strap 23 is fixed to the sidewall 2. The fixed end 24 of the second length-adjustable strap 23 is positioned adjacent the second rim 4, opposite the first length-adjustable strap 20. Moreover, a free end 25 of the second-length adjustable strap is positioned opposite the fixed end 24 of the second length-adjustable strap 23. The first length-adjustable strap 20 and the second length-adjustable strap 23 secures the present invention onto the head of the user as the free end 22 of the first length-adjustable strap 20 is removably attached to the free end 25 of the second-length adjustable strap with the fastener 26.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fastener 26 comprises a first interlocking member 27 and a second interlocking member 28, both shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The first interlocking member 27 is fixed to the free end 22 of the first length-adjustable strap 20. Similarly, the second interlocking member 28 is fixed to the free end 25 of the second length-adjustable strap 23. The first length-adjustable strap 20 and the second length-adjustable strap 23 securely wraps under the head of the user as the first interlocking member 27 is engaged to the second interlocking member 28. The fastener 26 may include, but is not limited, to velcro patches, snap buttons, and buckles.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A UV radiation-blocking sports hat comprises: a hat; a panel; a pocket; a tinted shield; the hat comprises a sidewall and a crown; the crown being oriented perpendicular with the sidewall; a first rim of the sidewall being perimetrically connected across the crown; a second rim of the sidewall being positioned opposite the first rim of the sidewall across the sidewall; a first rim of the panel being connected along the second rim of the sidewall; a second rim of the panel being positioned opposite the first rim of the panel across the panel; a main opening being defined by the second rim of the panel; the tinted shield being integrated into the panel; the tinted shield traversing from the first rim of the panel to the second rim of the panel; the pocket being connected to an inner surface of the panel, positioned opposite the tinted shield; and an opening of the pocket being oriented towards the hat.
 2. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a cooling pack; and the cooling pack being positioned within the pocket.
 3. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a plurality of ventilation slots; the plurality of ventilation slots traversing through the sidewall; and the plurality of ventilation slots being distributed across the sidewall.
 4. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 3 comprises: the plurality of ventilation slots comprises a first set of ventilation slots and a second set of ventilation slots; the first set of ventilation slots being laterally positioned along the sidewall; and the second set of ventilation slots being laterally positioned along the sidewall, opposite the first set of ventilation slots.
 5. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 3 comprises: the plurality of ventilation slots being centrally aligned with a sagittal plane of the hat; and the plurality of ventilation slots being positioned adjacent the tinted shield.
 6. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the tinted shield being centrally aligned with a sagittal plane of the hat; a first lateral edge of the tinted shield being oriented at a first acute angle with the sagittal plane; and a second lateral edge of the tinted shield being oriented at a second acute angle with the sagittal plane.
 7. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a first length-adjustable strap; a second length-adjustable strap; a fastener; a fixed end of the first length-adjustable strap being fixed to the sidewall, positioned adjacent the second rim; the fixed end of the first length-adjustable strap being positioned between the tinted shield and the pocket; a free end of the first length-adjustable strap being positioned opposite the fixed end of the first length-adjustable strap; a fixed end of the second length-adjustable strap being fixed to the sidewall; the fixed end of the second length-adjustable strap being positioned adjacent the second rim, opposite the first length-adjustable strap; a free end of the second length-adjust and able strap being positioned opposite the fixed end of the second length-adjustable strap; and the free end of the first length-adjustable strap being removably attached to the free end of the second length-adjustable strap with the fastener.
 8. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the fastener comprises a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member; the first interlocking member being fixed to the free end of the first length-adjustable strap; the second interlocking member being fixed to the free end of the second length-adjustable strap; and the first interlocking member being engaged to the second interlocking member.
 9. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tinted shield is made of polycarbonate material.
 10. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a moisture-wicking layer; the moisture-wicking layer being fixed within the pocket; and the moisture-wicking layer traversing across the pocket.
 11. A UV radiation-blocking sports hat comprises: a hat; a panel; a pocket; a tinted shield; a plurality of ventilation slots; the hat comprises a sidewall and a crown; the crown being oriented perpendicular with the sidewall; a first rim of the sidewall being perimetrically connected across the crown; a second rim of the sidewall being positioned opposite the first rim of the sidewall across the sidewall; a first rim of the panel being connected along the second rim of the sidewall; a second rim of the panel being positioned opposite the first rim of the panel across the panel; a main opening being defined by the second rim of the panel; the tinted shield being integrated into the panel; the tinted shield traversing from the first rim of the panel to the second rim of the panel; the pocket being connected to an inner surface of the panel, positioned opposite the tinted shield; an opening of the pocket being oriented towards the hat; the plurality of ventilation slots traversing through the sidewall; and the plurality of ventilation slots being distributed across the sidewall.
 12. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 11 comprises: a cooling pack; a moisture-wicking layer; the moisture-wicking layer being fixed within the pocket; the moisture-wicking layer traversing across the pocket; and the cooling pack being positioned within the pocket.
 13. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 11 comprises: the plurality of ventilation slots comprises a first set of ventilation slots and a second set of ventilation slots; the first set of ventilation slots being laterally positioned along the sidewall; and the second set of ventilation slots being laterally positioned along the sidewall, opposite the first set of ventilation slots.
 14. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 11 comprises: the plurality of ventilation slots being centrally aligned with a sagittal plane of the hat; and the plurality of ventilation slots being positioned adjacent the tinted shield.
 15. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 11 comprises: the tinted shield being centrally aligned with a sagittal plane of the hat; a first lateral edge of the tinted shield being oriented at a first acute angle with the sagittal plane; and a second lateral edge of the tinted shield being oriented at a second acute angle with the sagittal plane.
 16. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 11 comprises: a first length-adjustable strap; a second length-adjustable strap; a fastener; the fastener comprises a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member; a fixed end of the first length-adjustable strap being fixed to the sidewall, positioned adjacent the second rim; the fixed end of the first length-adjustable strap being positioned between the tinted shield and the pocket; a free end of the first length-adjustable strap being positioned opposite the fixed end of the first length-adjustable strap; a fixed end of the second length-adjustable strap being fixed to the sidewall; the fixed end of the second length-adjustable strap being positioned adjacent the second rim, opposite the first length-adjustable strap; a free end of the second length-adjust and able strap being positioned opposite the fixed end of the second length-adjustable strap; the free end of the first length-adjustable strap being removably attached to the free end of the second length-adjustable strap with the fastener; the first interlocking member being fixed to the free end of the first length-adjustable strap; the second interlocking member being fixed to the free end of the second length-adjustable strap; and the first interlocking member being engaged to the second interlocking member.
 17. The UV radiation-blocking sports hat as claimed in claim 11, wherein the tinted shield is made of polycarbonate material. 